Our Approach
There are four key elements that define our global-local approach:
The adaptation of interventions for different settings: This refers to using evidence-based approaches that have been developed in one setting and adapting it for application in another setting. An example of this is faculty who have developed interventions for HIV prevention interventions to reduce HIV risk for adolescents in South Africa adapting and applying their interventions for adolescent populations risk in a U.S. setting.
The application of similar approaches to engaging communities to address health inequities: Effective approaches to working with communities whether in the U.S. or outside of the U.S. use similar community-engagement approaches, including building trust, listening, and working collaboratively. These approaches are similar whether we are working in rural North Carolina or rural Vietnam.
Addressing health challenges faced by global populations living in the U.S.: Another element of this approach is the focus on our public health practice and research with immigrant populations in the U.S. The challenges immigrant communities in the U.S. face require methods and approaches that not only reflect good community engagement practices, but also a cultural tailoring of approaches to reach and achieve impact in these communities.
Addressing health challenges that have no borders: This is the idea that diseases have no borders. An infectious disease that emerges in one setting will eventually affect other regions because of the movement of people across borders. COVID-19 is the most obvious example of this. This reflects the idea that we need to think globally when we think about rolling out prevention tools like vaccines. If we don’t address inequities in vaccine access across the world, there is no way that global pandemics will be controlled.
Read more about several global faculty members who are engaged in this space.
Vanessa Akosah, MPH Candidate in Leadership in Practice
We interviewed Vanessa Akosah to learn about her background in dentistry, why she decided to pursue her MPH, her summer practicum with Access Dental Care, lessons learned from her Leadership in Practice courses, and more.
Resources for students interested in global health internships, fellowships, or funding for travel.
Student Global Engagement
Support Our Students
At Gillings, we are training the next generation of global public health professionals. An important aspect of their training is applying what they have learned in the classroom in a real world context with global health organizations around the world. Travel funds can help students travel for research, pre-dissertation or dissertation work, practicum, internship and presenting at conferences. Support global travel funds for students.
